NHS in Surrey prepares for difficult winter with flu

The NHS is braced for a difficult winter with flu

NHS leaders in Surrey are expecting a difficult winter and have said they are more concerned about flu than Covid.

Measures to deal with extra demand on services include treating more people at home through virtual wards.

Capacity is being increased at Haslemere Minor Injury Unit, which can see 60-70 patients a day, compared to 30-40 previously, and investing in same-day emergency care facilities.

Pharmacies and NHS 111 are being highlighted as options to get support.

Flu is "probably" causing more impact on patients than Covid currently, and there is more concern about the "mortality and morbidity" the illness can cause, officials said.

Joint chief medical officer at Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership, Dr Charlotte Canniff, who is also a GP, said the NHS would be there to help people, but urged them to think ahead.

"We also need them to use our services appropriately," she said.

"So, for me, that means making sure that they are prepared, they have had their vaccinations if they are eligible, for flu and Covid, they have got their medicines in their cupboards, they've ordered their prescriptions.

"Then, when they need emergency or urgent services, that they use all of the services available to them, depending on the level of need."

Consultant Will Niven, clinical lead at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust's emergency department, said there was always a "degree of apprehension" ahead of the winter, but planning had started as early as July.

People have been urged to think ahead

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